Eastern promise in community link
A Birmingham officer is taking on a new role of West Midlands Police Chinese community liaison officer and is set for a fact-finding trip to the Far East to learn more about the regions culture and triad-linked crime.
A Birmingham officer is taking on a new role of West Midlands Police Chinese community liaison officer and is set for a fact-finding trip to the Far East to learn more about the regions culture and triad-linked crime.
City centre PC Jonathan Lander will act as a link between the force and Chinese residents, students and businesses.
The move is designed to bolster relations with the Chinese community which at the 2011 census stood at around 13,000 people and provide a familiar face for those wanting to report concerns or provide information.
Later this year, PC Lander will attend international police conventions in Hong Kong and China, focusing on culture and traditions, as well as giving an insight into triad gangs.
Dr Dorian Chan, vice-chair of the Wing Wah restaurant chain that is funding the trip, said: The Chinese community is one of the most established ethnic communities in Birmingham the wellbeing and safety of such a significant, vibrant part of Birminghams society is paramount.
PC Lander will play a really important link role between the police and Chinese community.
His time in Hong Kong and China will be hugely beneficial it will improve his understanding of Chinese culture, help him build community links and identify community-led solutions to issues, and promote inter-cultural dialogue.
PC Lander is expected to make the trip to Hong Kong for the course organised by Hong Kong Polices Central Intelligence Bureau and China in September.
I want to establish myself as a trusted, reliable point of contact for members of the Chinese community, explained PC Lander.
My face has already popped up on posters dotted around China Town, introducing me to people and providing contact details but over the next few weeks and months Ill be out and about meeting as many people as possible.
The courses are designed especially for overseas police officers. They provide an in-depth look of organised crime groups and hidden crimes affecting the Chinese community and explain how police forces in the Far East tackle such issues. Im really looking forward to the opportunity.